What Causes Low Body Temperature?

Posted on Sat, 19 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 20 Apr 2014 Answered on

Wed, 7 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : what causes a temperature of 94 F?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Thyroid problems,poor blood circulation... Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX First, I want to thank you for taking care of your mom. Next, I want to say that the normal body temperature is around 95 to 98.6 F. Your mom's temperature of 94 F is slightly decreased. She is having thyroid problems that could be a cause. Furthermore, she is 94 years old, and blood circulation could not be as good as for a younger person (poor blood circulation). Exposure to cold weather and not enough heating can also be other factors. The thing that concerns me is her fall and hitting her head. During such fall, hematoma can be formed. Furthermore, taking coumadin increases the chances for bleeding. That's why, I highly recommend to get her checked by a neurologist to evaluate her brain and exclude hematoma after falling. Hope it answered to your queries! Let me know if you need further assistance! All the best to your mom and you too! Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (35 minutes later)

Dr. Albana, First I want to thank you for you quick reply. I appreciate you answer and excellent response. There is one other thing that I forgot to tell you when she was in the hospital her bladder was 3/4 full and the they put a catheter in to drain her kidneys. I read on the Mayo Clinics web site that if the kidneys shut down this can be a cause for lower body temperature. The CT scan in the hospital did show a hematoma. They said that she was not bleeding. Her hemoglobin was normal. Will the hematoma contribute to the low body temperature? XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Multiple health problems... Detailed Answer: Hi back XXXXXXX Thank you for following up. If the hematoma is located in the brain, it can contribute in slowing the body functions. Consequently, lower body temperature can be one of the results. Next, from the reports you are providing regarding the functions of her kidneys, I think your mom is going through multiple health problems. Unfortunately, her age and the sufferings she has gone through has made her weaker. Thus, to my opinion, she is not strong enough to "fight" and get improved. That's why her body is gradually slowing down unfortunately. This is a moment that all human beings will go through. You must be patient and strong for your mom's sake. God bless your mom and all of you! Hope you will get enough strength to overpass this tough moment! Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (9 hours later)

Dear Dr. Albana Sejdini, I thank you very much for helping me during this difficult time. You sure did put things in perspective and showed a lot of compassion for me and my Mom. Thanks so much! Regards, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (5 hours later)

Brief Answer: Glad to know I was of help! Detailed Answer: Hi back XXXXXXX Happy to be assisting you. If my answer was at your satisfaction, please rate it while closing this thread. If you have further queries, I'll be happy to assist you further! Thank you! Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar